Cooper Tire Europe will support its ambassador Xavier Foj, supplying Discoverer STT Pro tyres to Foj Motorsport for his 27th Dakar Rally. The Foj Motorsport Cooper Tire team has completed a series of rigorous test sessions in the run up to what is considered the toughest endurance event in global motorsport, taking place on 2-14 January 2017 in Paraguay, Argentina and Bolivia.

Competing in the T2 category, which is a cross-country class for production vehicles, Foj will be looking to emulate his last T2 class victory from 2013. Nacho Santamaría will once again sit alongside Foj as his co-driver, and Quim Rodón will be in charge of the mechanics during the rally, having overseen preparation of the team’s Toyota Land Cruiser 150.

The team will be running on Cooper Discoverer STT Pro tyres. With the STT Pro, designed for outdoor adventure, Cooper states Foj Motorsport can have full confidence in the balance the tyres provide across all surfaces – sand, tarmac and even the thickest mud.

The tyre delivers traction, toughness, and treadwear for the most challenging off-road conditions thanks to Armor-Tek3 construction. This technology adds strength and durability in the sidewall and tread. The tyre also features mud release dimples that prevent build-up.

Spanish driver Foj is optimistic, saying, “I think we are forming a good team, which will allow us to start with confidence. As I always say, in this rally the fundamental thing is not to make mistakes or to minimise them to the maximum. In order to do this, we have been meticulous in the preparation of the car.”